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Joan Hogben Basketry at Redbubble

Eco Fashion looks at different approaches to ethical and ecologically friendly fashion through individual designer labels. From partnering with indigenous communities, using sustainable or recycled materials, slow fashion to waste-free construction and pattern-making methods, this interesting book describes each designer’s practice accompanied with lots of beautiful photographs. The book is written by Sass Brown, a full time professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

This third and last lookbook for Spring fashion week focuses on Paris, including the latest looks from art/design icons Vivienne Westwood, Yohji Yamamoto, and Rei Kawakubo for Comme des Garçons. Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga presents a new look in pieced fabric designs, and Dries Van Noten shows clever collaged prints. Interesting silhouettes are featured at Gareth Pugh and Rick Owens; beautiful colour combinations at Haider Ackermann and Issey Miyake; fresh looks at Kenzo, (Hussein) Chalyan and Vionnet; and softly hued organic designs from (Gabrielle) Greiss.

Viktor & Rolf show a stunning collection of vividly coloured oversized applique, lace and hand stitching. Missed from the last two Lookbooks, from London, Christopher De Vos and Peter Pilotto of Peter Pilotto present an outstanding collection of tropical prints and clever designs; and Donna Karan from New York shows prints inspired by the work of the Haitian artist Philippe Dodard.

This is the 2nd in a series of three Lookbooks I’ve put together from Spring Fashion Week 2012, thanks to style.com. Inspired by Peppermint and Frankie magazines, this Lookbook includes new and established designers that are quirky and sometimes eco minded and includes recycled, upcyled and limited edition collections.

Christopher Raeburn’s collection is a surprising combination of street wear, hiking/adventure wear and high fashion. He upcycles and uses recycled fabrics and combines technology with fashion. His multimedia presentation at the Museum of London is described here with a view of the installation.

Here’s some favourites from Spring 2012 Fashion Week. The selection focuses on interesting fabrics and originality of design. The labels to watch include Californian sisters Rodarte, who designed the beautiful ballet costumes for the movie ‘Black Swan’. From London, Basso & Brooke show amazing contemporary prints; Meadham Kirchhoff combines Japanese cosplay with Galliano boudoir style; and Marques’Almeida from Fashion East presents oversized ripped denim pieces.

Most outstanding is Greek designer Mary Katrantzou, who lives in London and studied architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design and prints for interiors and textiles at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Her eye for colour and print combinations and strong silhouettes makes her work highly influential.

Please join the protest against coal seam gas mining on agricultural land by supporting Australian farmers at Lock the Gate

and sign a petition for better regulation of coal seam gas mining at GetUp

Both websites have more information about the hazards of coal seam gas extraction including the practise of fracking and how it can affect the water table, rivers and soil. A report by Four Corners (ABC TV) earlier this year also highlights the dangers: Farmers count the cost of coal seam gas rush